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SJB’s Hamilton and teammates prevail at adidas event at LBCC

It wasn’t a Trinity League game, but on Monday night St. John Bosco High senior-to-be Daniel Hamilton earned a victory over Stanley Johnson.

Hamilton was part of the USA 2014 Blue squad that edged USA 2014 Red 81-77 in the final of the adidas Nations camp and tournament at Long Beach City College. The 6-foot-7 UConn commit had just four points and four rebounds in the game, but he and D’Angelo Russell spearheaded a second-half defensive effort that kept Johnson from dominating like he did early.

And that was good enough for Hamilton, who has gone 0 for 4 against Johnson and his Mater Dei teammates in the last two years of Trinity League action. Johnson, a 6-7 forward who is among the most recruited players in the nation, finished with a game-high 17 points and 11 rebounds. But he had just five points in the second half, when USA Blue erased a six-point halftime lead and built its own advantage to double digits.

“It’s a great opportunity to get a chance to guard (Johnson),” said Hamilton, who was 2 of 7 from the floor in 17 minutes. “There was a lot of talent here. Everybody is good, everybody is just as good as you. You just have to showcase your skills.”

The event was a four-day camp and tournament that featured some of the nation’s top high school recruits as well as international teams. Former NBA and UCLA player Don MacLean coached Hamilton’s squad – Ralph Sampson, another retired NBA veteran, coached the Red team – and current NBA stars Derrick Rose and John Wall were in the stands to watch. Monday’s third-place and championship games were televised by ESPN.

“It’s a blessing to be able to play against the best,” said Hamilton.

Guard Theo Pinson led the Blue team with 15 points and Reid Travis added 14, including a 2-for-2 effort from the 3-point line. USA Blue rallied from a six-point halftime deficit by outscoring USA Red by nearly double in the third quarter, 31-16.

At halftime, Russell said he wanted to challenge of guarding Johnson, and he and Hamilton shared the duties for most of the second half. Jalil Okafor added 14 points and eight rebounds for USA Red, but the Blue squad eventually built its lead to 11 points early in the fourth quarter.

“That really changed the game for us,” said MacLean. “Once we neutralized (Johnson), we were able to get out in transition. … That was a big part of why we won the game.”

USA Red battled back late in the fourth, and pulled within a point with less than three minutes remaining. But Romelo Trimble sank a nice running jumper to extend the lead, and USA Blue closed out the game from the foul line.

“We had guys make plays at the end,” said MacLean. “We made our free throws and pulled it out.”